Panama Canal & Pacific
Gems

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.

Cruising the Florida Straits

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

A small town with a focus on big business George Town is a pleasant place to visit on any holiday in the Cayman Islands. The city centre is well-planned and has a number of shops and restaurants worth visiting and a few attractions of its own: The National Museum situated in the Old Courts building the island's oldest building exhibits the country's fascinating cultural and natural history and the resourceful independent nature of the seafaring society; and the National Gallery exhibits works by local and international artists.George Town's most popular attractions however are its stunning natural environments on Grand Cayman. Boatswain's Beach the sparkling Seven Mile Beach and the scenic Mastic Hiking Trail are all within a few miles of the town.Though usually quiet George Town is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and comes alive on the two or three days a week that a cruise ship docks when it is densely packed with tourists.

Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Cartagena

Visually Cartagena is a paradise with lush bougainvilla winding its way through a maze of cobblestone alleys lined by brightly-painted buildings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site the city is a popular tourist destination for both Colombian and international holidaymakers. Cartagena's history goes back to 4000BC and today its skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and colourful colonial facades.Cartagena's colourful past is evident in the many historical attractions in the city. Most are located in the walled Old Town which contains beautiful examples of colonial architecture and excellent shopping and restaurants. Neighbourhoods like Centre San Diego Getsemaní and the more modern La Matuna all have unique personalities that delight visitors. Old Town is also home to the labyrinthine Bazurto Market which is more of an opportunity to glimpse the everyday life of a Cartagenan than stock up on souvenirs.The Palace of the Inquisition the dungeons of Las Bovedas and the Cartagena Gold Museum are good places to get a feel for Cartagena's history while the San Pedro Claver Convent and the Santo Domingo Church offer their own perspective. A number of stately mansions and fortresses (including the impressive Castillo de San Felipe) dot the area as well.The most popular attractions in Cartagena are its sparkling beaches. However the best beaches in Cartagena are to be found a little ways out of the city. Playa Blanca and Sportbaru are popular resorts that offer watersports boat tours and other activities as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. Ferries are also available for excursions to nearby islands including the Islas del Rosario.

Panama Canal Transit

Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Puntarenas

Puntarenas, situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a vibrant and bustling port city that offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. It serves as the gateway to the stunning Nicoya Peninsula and is a popular destination for both locals and international travelers. With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich history, Puntarenas has something to offer for everyone.

One of the main attractions of Puntarenas is the mesmerizing coastline. The city is blessed with miles of pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Playa Doña Ana is a popular beach within the city limits, offering a lively atmosphere with beachfront bars and restaurants. For a quieter beach experience, head to Playa Caldera or Playa Bajamar, where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Nature enthusiasts will feel right at home in Puntarenas, as the region is surrounded by stunning national parks and wildlife refuges. Just a short drive from the city, you can explore Carara National Park, renowned for its dense rainforest and abundant wildlife, including scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and capuchin monkeys. Another must-visit is Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its beautiful beaches and diverse flora and fauna.

If you're interested in learning about the local culture and history, Puntarenas has several attractions to offer. The Paseo de los Turistas is a picturesque beachfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and street vendors, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and sample local delicacies. The city's main square, Central Park, is home to the charming Church of Puntarenas, an architectural gem that dates back to the 1800s.

For a unique cultural experience, make sure to check out the vibrant festivals and events that take place in Puntarenas. The Carnaval de Puntarenas is a colorful and lively carnival that happens annually in February, featuring parades, music, dancing, and traditional costumes. You can also catch live music performances and dance shows at the local theaters and cultural centers.

No trip to Puntarenas would be complete without indulging in the region's delicious cuisine. Being a coastal city, seafood is a highlight of the local gastronomy. From ceviche to grilled fish, you'll find an array of fresh and flavorful dishes. Don't forget to try the traditional casado, a typical Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, meat, salad, and plantains.

With its strategic location, Puntarenas also offers easy access to other popular destinations in Costa Rica. From here, you can embark on exciting day trips to explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, or take a boat tour to the stunning Tortuga Island.

In terms of accommodations, Puntarenas provides a range of options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxury beachfront resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, you'll find plenty of choices to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Puntarenas is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach holiday, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or an immersive cultural experience, this coastal city has it all. So grab your sunscreen and embark on an unforgettable journey to Puntarenas, where paradise awaits.

Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Puerto Quetzal

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's busiest port, located on the Pacific coast in the southwestern part of the country. The port is a gateway to the country, with many cruise ships and cargo vessels passing through each day. Visitors to Puerto Quetzal will find a bustling town with a variety of shops and restaurants. The port is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as a popular market. There is plenty to see and do in Puerto Quetzal, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore Guatemala.

Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Acapulco

Situated on one of the loveliest bays on the Mexican coast and backed by the evergreen vegetation of the Sierra foothills. Acapulco is the Queen of Mexican beach resorts, the loudest and most famous in the country with non-stop energy, high-rise hotels and a glittering nightlife, along with silver white shores and an enormous range of holiday activities.

The main attraction in Acapulco is the string of beaches that sweep around the bay, each offering a different atmosphere and ample opportunities for watersports, with calm waters, sun bathing and seafront dining of international quality. One of the few downsides of Acapulco is the overcrowded old town area, but it's easy enough to ignore this with plenty to keep visitors happy along the glitzy holiday resort strip, with its shopping plazas, restaurants and beaches.

A famous Acapulco institution since the 1930s are the Quebrada cliff divers, who jump gracefully from a height of 148ft (45m) into the seemingly shallow water of a narrow chasm in the ocean below after praying at the small rock shrine for safety. Active pursuits abound, such as bungy jumping, horse riding or mountain biking, as well as tennis and golf on one of four great championship courses. Local operators offer popular jungle tours, snorkelling expeditions and the ever-popular sunset cruises.

The nightlife is varied, from big parties at the famous Palladium to salsa dancing at numerous clubs and bars. There's also loads of options for those seeking retail therapy, ranging from native products to upmarket offerings. Many upscale boutiques sell well-known designer labels which pepper the streets of the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), also dubbed Mexico's 'Sunset Boulevard'. As far as modern malls go, Acapulco's biggest is Le Gran Plaza, situated on the Costera.

Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a Mexican resort city located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. This popular destination is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors to Cabo San Lucas can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, sunbathing, shopping, golfing, and fishing. There is also a variety of restaurants and bars to enjoy.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an action packed getaway, Cabo San Lucas has something to offer everyone. The beautiful beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying a variety of water sports. Luxury resorts offer visitors a chance to relax in style. And the vibrant nightlife scene provides plenty of entertainment options.

If you are planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas, be sure to check out all the city has to offer. From the beautiful beaches to the luxurious resorts, there is something for everyone in this popular Mexican destination.

Cruising the Pacific Ocean

San Diego, California

San Diego characterises a typical Southern Californian beach
city: with year-round sunshine and surf, a superb coastline with
miles of sandy-white beaches, easygoing inhabitants, and a wide
variety of world-class family attractions, tourists can't help but
be drawn to 'America's finest city'.

Although California's second biggest city with an
ever-increasing population of more than a million, San Diego prides
itself on its small-town ambience, with very little of the
pollution, highway congestion and raciness of Los Angeles. In 1769
a Spanish missionary by the name of Father Junipero Serra
established a Catholic mission and fortified settlement in what was
later to become San Diego; it was the first permanent European
settlement on the West Coast of the United States.

The city is a vibrant collection of colourful neighbourhoods and
communities. It has award-winning restaurants, trendy shopping
districts, attractions such as the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and
SeaWorld, and a dynamic downtown district that includes the city's
historic Gaslamp Quarter. There are numerous indications of its
Mexican and Spanish heritage in the traditional architecture,
typical Mexican cuisine, and strong links with the town of Tijuana
just across the Mexican border.

San Diego is also rich in art and culture, and the city boasts
the largest urban cultural park in the US, with beautiful gardens
and Spanish architecture featuring 17 museums, art galleries and
theatres to be found in Balboa Park. More than 70 miles (113km) of
beaches around the city offer superb surfing and beach activities
and provide the perfect introduction to this accessible and
laid-back city.

Los Angeles, California

Millions of visitors arrive each year in Los Angeles, eager to
experience first-hand the famed land of modern mythology, wondrous
optimism and immense creativity. The fantasy worlds of Disneyland
and Hollywood, the extravagance of Beverley Hills and Malibu, and
the sun-soaked beach culture are just some of the attractions
within the 'City of Angels'.

Los Angeles is not really a city but rather a sprawling
metropolis constituting more than 80 smaller city areas woven
together by a daunting network of traffic-congested freeways
without a clearly defined centre. LA is just one of these cities
with Downtown at its heart, and lying outside the city limits is
the surrounding conglomeration of cities that comprise LA
County.

Los Angeles offers a dazzling variety of attractions and
world-famous amusements. Downtown is a mixture of cultures and
local communities: the traditional herbalists of Chinatown's Bamboo
Lane; Little Tokyo with its sushi bars and Japanese gardens; and
the narrow Latino-influenced Olvera Street. Los Angeles County is
endowed with a rich diversity of backgrounds and a mix of people
from 140 countries speaking 96 different languages.

West Hollywood: the focal point of gay and lesbian culture, the
posh beachside resort of Santa Monica, body-builders at Muscle
Beach and the childhood fantasy of Disneyland all add to LA's
diversity. There are exciting museums, cinemas featuring every
conceivable production, fashionable boutiques, comedy clubs, poetry
readings and coffee house recitals, and music of every kind played
in various venues throughout the city.

Underneath the huge 'Hollywood' sign on the crest of the
Hollywood Hills, the high energy and pleasure-seeking atmosphere,
bold billboards, beautiful sun-bronzed people, bright lights and
fancy cars are images of a city that everyone loves to hate; but
whether one likes what one finds or not, Los Angeles must be
experienced at least once in a lifetime.